The Wordle Web 2.0 tool is an interactive tool that creates word clouds.
The Web 2.0 tool requires text input comprising of a list of words.
Phrases can be used and kept as phrases by placing the tilde (~) between each word. The tilde does not show up in the word cloud.
There are a range of colour palettes, including the ability to vary the colours in the palettes.
The layout of the words can be changed to all horizontal, all vertical, some in each direction as well as the option for any direction.
The advanced creation tool requires a little more input and knowledge of Java 2D API using the AWT Font code. This option allows the creation of different size fonts. The 2 code options are: 1. after each word place the pixel height value or 2. after each word place the pixel height and hex colour code. Once the word cloud has been created, the layout and font is able to be adjusted.
Once the word cloud has been constructed, it can be printed, opened in a new window or saved to the gallery. Once it is saved into the gallery, the code is displayed so that it can be cut and pasted into a blog or webpage.
Students are also able to take a screen capture of the completed word cloud and edit it in whatever software they have on hand.
Analysis of the Web 2.0 tool: Wordle The Wordle Web 2.0 tool is a digital technology that should engage students in the creation of word clouds that could be used in any context. It provides opportunities for students to analyse and apply the Senior Graphics Syllabus (2007) elements of presentation to their creations.
The 3 ways word clouds are able to be created has provided scaffolding for the varying degrees of digital experience students have in a classroom. It can also provide a way to scaffold the lesson to develop or enhance student abilities which supports Education Queensland’s ICT Smart Classrooms Student Expectations (2009).
There is also support on the www for interesting ways to implement Wordle in the classroom at Ideas to Inspire (n.d.).
Learning Environment Example Subject: Senior Graphics, QSA Syllabus (2007) Contextual unit: Business Graphics – 12 weeks Industry context: Signage Product focus: Posters and website Target audience: Consumers Purpose: The skateboarding company Skatz manufactures all forms of skateboarding equipment and is seeking a new image online as well as in newspapers. Assessment Item: Extended Graphical Response to contain 2-Dimensional Graphical Representations
The refinement stage of the implementation model lends itself for students to work in small groups to brainstorm a list of words associated with the company Skating for the Skatz company new image, website and newspaper advertising, using Wordle. Students are able to work through the different methods provided on the Wordle Web 2.0 tool and refine their designs keeping in mind the elements of presentation.
Journal References Koehler, M. J., & Mishra, P. (2009). What is technological pedagogical content knowledge? Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 9(1), 60-70.
About the Web 2.0 tool
Analysis of the Web 2.0 tool: Wordle
The Wordle Web 2.0 tool is a digital technology that should engage students in the creation of word clouds that could be used in any context. It provides opportunities for students to analyse and apply the Senior Graphics Syllabus (2007) elements of presentation to their creations.
The 3 ways word clouds are able to be created has provided scaffolding for the varying degrees of digital experience students have in a classroom. It can also provide a way to scaffold the lesson to develop or enhance student abilities which supports Education Queensland’s ICT Smart Classrooms Student Expectations (2009).
There is also support on the www for interesting ways to implement Wordle in the classroom at Ideas to Inspire (n.d.).
Learning Environment Example
Subject: Senior Graphics, QSA Syllabus (2007)
Contextual unit: Business Graphics – 12 weeks
Industry context: Signage
Product focus: Posters and website
Target audience: Consumers
Purpose: The skateboarding company Skatz manufactures all forms of skateboarding equipment and is seeking a new image online as well as in newspapers.
Assessment Item: Extended Graphical Response to contain 2-Dimensional Graphical Representations
The refinement stage of the implementation model lends itself for students to work in small groups to brainstorm a list of words associated with the company Skating for the Skatz company new image, website and newspaper advertising, using Wordle. Students are able to work through the different methods provided on the Wordle Web 2.0 tool and refine their designs keeping in mind the elements of presentation.
Journal References
Koehler, M. J., & Mishra, P. (2009). What is technological pedagogical content knowledge? Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 9(1), 60-70.
Electronic References
Jamikeddiedotcom. (2010) Tilde hint. Retrieved from http://www.jamiekeddie.com/602
Ideas to Inspire. (n.d.). Forty-Seven Interesting Ways to use Wordle in the Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.ideastoinspire.co.uk/wordle.htm
University Materials
CQUniversity Australia (2009). MMST11002 – Web Design: Appendix A. Rockhampton, Qld: Steven Pace.
Government & Legislation References
Queensland Studies Authority (QSA). (2007). Graphics: Years 11&12 Senior Syllabus. Retrieved from http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/snr_graphics_07_syll.pdf
Education Queensland (EQ). (n.d.). Smart Class Rooms Years 8 to 9: Student Expectations. Retrieved from http://education.qld.gov.au/smartclassrooms/pdf/student-expectations-8-9.pdf
Education Queensland (EQ). (2009). Smart Class Rooms Year 10: Student Expectations. Retrieved from http://education.qld.gov.au/smartclassrooms/pdf/student-expectations-10.pdf